Deanna Nowadnick's "Fruit of My Spirit"

Title: Fruit of My Spirit: Reframing Life in God’s Grace
Publisher: Rhododendron Books

Cover blurb: In a memoir of missteps and misdeeds, Deanna Nowadnick writes of the hugeness of God’s love and faithfulness. Reframing life in God’s grace, she discovers an indescribable, indefinable, inexplicable love that has encircled her without fail through joyous, sad, cringe-worthy, heartwarming, forgettable, memorable moments in life.

1) How did this story come to you?
I just wanted to my sons Kyle and Kevin to know how I met their father. One story became two stories; the chapter on Love went straight into the chapter on Self-Discipline. Soon I knew a theme had developed. Finally one day I said to anyone who’d listen, “I think I wrote a book.”

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
This is my first book. I fully expected to get a few things down on paper and then run up to Staples to make a couple copies. I was fortunate to find Sue Collier who put together a wonderful team of people who took me through the publishing process. As I said in the Acknowledgements, I could not have done it without them. Not only did they steer me through unchartered waters, but they protected my voice in the process. I am delighted with the book and truly grateful for their time and care.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) Even though I majored in English in college, I never really enjoyed writing assignments. I actually think it had more to do with being told what to write, rather than the writing itself.
2) I love Downton Abbey and Mad Men.
3) I cannot cook, nor can I grow anything. Really! If there’s a national emergency tomorrow, I’ve got to be able to subsist on Quaker Chewy Dips!

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
A draft of Book 2 is done. Signs in Life: Meeting God at the Corner of Grace and Mercy tells of those times when God has come alongside and guided, directed and turned me. The book is another collection of short stories, this time recounting the times when God has met me at life’s crossroads, when I’ve been “on point” with God, not because of anything I’ve done, but because a loving, gracious, merciful God has been there time after time, again and again.

5) Parting comments?
I never expected the book to resonate with readers like it has. As I wrote, I knew that God was giving me special stories to share; I just didn’t expect to have the opportunity to share those stories in the form of a real book. Now I’m challenged to help others share their own stories.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FruitofMySpirit
Twitter: @DeannaNowadnick
Website/Blog: http://fruitofmyspirit.com/